North Oregon Coast
Clatsop and Tillamook Counties
The northern coast of Oregon is the closest beach to Portland Metro so on good beach days it is crowded. I do not mean crowded like a "real" beach might be where there is not room for even one additional beach towel. Its just that beacuse of limited infrastructure (in English that means roads and parking) the beach itself can be hard to reach. If that bothers you come back on a good storm watching day and have the whole place to yourself and your dog. The area ports are working ports supported by commercial and recreational fishing and crabbing as well as the newer experience of whale watching. There are to be sure a few yachts moored here and there but most of the craft are working vessels. Fishing and crabbing are tough ways to make a living now and the old standbys of logging and dairying are not much better off. That is why the welcome mat is always out for tourists!